Letters 12-18-09

Friday

Dec 18, 2009 at 2:00 AMDec 18, 2009 at 3:00 AM

Patriot Staff

Dear governor: help the harbor now Editor’s note: This letter was addressed to Gov. Deval Patrick and copied to the newspaper. I am writing to you to implore you to support the Town of Barnstable’s application for Stimulus funds to repair the Barnstable Inner Harbor bulkhead, which is fully permitted, designed and shovel-ready. I am the elected town councilor who represents the area in which the bulkhead lies. I am also a resident and frequent user of this resource. This is the single most important project I have encountered in the six years I have served as the representative of this area. As you know, the bulkhead partially collapsed in March 2008 and the Town has sought funding since that time to reconstruct the collapsed portion and to avoid further collapse of the dependant remainder of the structure. The bulkhead has been compromised by elapsed time to such a degree that it is in danger of imminent and catastrophic collapse. The current situation is intolerable and a dire threat to public safety. Barnstable Harbor is exposed to northeast winds and storm events, wave action and a 12-foot tide. Should the bulkhead collapse, there is the very real possibility of severe injury to anyone on or near the collapse. Additionally, the Harbor most likely will be condemned and it is probable that the adjacent road (Mill Way) and bridge would have to be closed. Residents north of the site would be in danger of isolation from emergency access. The only other access route (Commerce Road) is subject to extreme flooding during storms. Moreover, a collapse may compromise underground utility and sewer lines along Mill Way, creating a further safety hazard. Barnstable Harbor is Barnstable’s only north side Harbor and one of the few working harbors on Cape Cod Bay. It is a source of revenue to the Town as well as being the economic engine of its host village, Barnstable Village. Closure of the Harbor would mean closure of two restaurants, a whale watch business, two private marinas, the yown marina, a boat repair operation, and a fully occupied office complex. Collapse would mean hundreds of jobs lost, both in the Harbor and in the Village that it supports. It would also result in loss of significant dock fees and tourist revenue. The collapse would thus have a rippling effect on the Town of Barnstable’s entire economic fabric. When Stimulus money was first announced as a tool to revitalize our economy, it was touted as primarily a Bill to revitalize the nation’s failing infrastructure and to retain and create jobs. I would also respectfully suggest that imminent failure of existing infrastructure threatening public safety should also be a high priority. I urge you to consider this shovel-ready, permitted and designed infrastructure project favorably and expeditiously before a tragedy occurs. Should you be in the area, I would be most honored to show you the site. Please feel free to contact me should you wish to discuss this matter. Ann Canedy Barnstable Town Council Precinct One C’ville 40B: Bad for the watershed Barnstable Housing Authority (BHA) is seeking a comprehensive permit from the Town of Barnstable: to build an apartment complex within the Fresh Water Recharge Area to Lake Wequaquet. The apartment complex would be on an estuary within the Marine Water Recharge Area of the already nitrogen-overloaded Centerville River. BHA's project plans for l70 Stage Coach Road, Centerville are within the sub-watersheds to Lake Wequaquet, Long Pond, the Centerville River and East Bay. The wastewater contribution to the watersheds will produce a nitrogen load of nearly twice the Fair Share loading rate. BHA's 40B project is exempt from Cape Cod Commission (CCC) guidelines. Therefore, the BHA's project is not subject to the published TMDLs established by the DEP or EPA to protect the water quality of these already nitrogen-overloaded waterways. The BHA won't even be charged the nitrogen offset rate CCC would impose if this were reviewed as a Development of Regional Impact. That nitrogen offset rate would be over $67,000 yearly. Why is it taxpayers are facing huge betterment charges along the same waterways that BHA, if granted a comprehensive permit by the town, will be adding pollution free of charge ? Jayne Pierce Centerville Don’t destroy our ecosystem We are missing the boat here. I’m talking about the report I read from the Cape Cod Commission contained in the request from the Barnstable Housing Authority (BHA) to the Town of Barnstable Zoning Board of Appeals for a “Comprehensive Permit” to go ahead with a 12-unit affordable housing project in the Three Ponds section of Centerville. While not an environmental engineer, I am a Registered Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth and I do feel I have a very good grasp for reading and understanding technical papers. I read the Commission’s report several times, particularly the sections on Water Resources found on pages 4 and 5. With respect to nitrogen loading the report clearly states that the 12 units planned will contribute nearly twice the “Fair Share Loading” rates. The Commission clearly states that this higher rate would have to be “mitigated.” Further the report states the “estuary in which the project is located is already nitrogen overloaded.” However, if this was not a 40B project (in other words, what the Commission is calling a DRI), the developer would have to pay into a fund in the amount of $67,470; then it’s OK to go ahead and load more nitrogen into the water. Hold it. I had to read this over again. Is this some type of a joke? So, let me get this right. It’s OK for the BHA to do the polluting, but a non-40B development has to pay into a fund before they can do the polluting. I suggest you read it yourself on pages 4 and 5. The Commission’s report clearly states the Centerville River and the “estuary” are presently nitrogen-overloaded. This 40B project will put more nitrogen into these two fragile water resources, which is in violation of the Federal and State EPA standards according to this excellent detailed study by the Commission. My sincere thanks to the Cape Cod Commission. So I ask you, “Why should we let this project go forward at this proposed location?” Surely, there are other locations in town that would not have the impact to the environment as this one would. Are we really saying that a 40B project can ignore a higher standard of the need to protect the environment? Remember Stewart’s Creek? How ‘bout some of the other creeks on the Cape, no fish, or clams around there an more… wonder why? On another overlooked subject, has anyone from the ZBA or the Commission inspected the three ponds (or what’s left of them) behind our back yards? The three ponds which make up what I will call the “Three Ponds Community” host a unique eco-system. If there weren’t homes around these ponds the Audubon Society would have scooped up this pond eco-system decades ago to preserve this beautiful area for the birds, the turtles and frogs, not to mention the salamanders and yes, would you believe, fish. The birds that feed on these ponds in the spring, summer and fall make this truly a nature lover’s paradise. You don’t even have to go to Costa Rica. The beauty is right in our back yards. From what I understand, the real culprit here is phosphate infiltration, which is difficult if near not impossible to mitigate or eliminate. Phosphates are discharged into the ground from the use of soap detergents from washing machines and dishwashers. These pollutants over time will infiltrate the ground water and seep into these precious ponds because the entire complex sits about 20 feet above the large pond. And if they don’t seep toward the pond they will seep the other way into the town-constructed (1972) drainage ditch system, which feeds the wetlands abutting Old Stage Road. Now here is my point. Nowhere in the Commission’s study has anyone addressed the long-term effects of phosphate seepage into these precious ponds, which in my opinion will ultimately cause eutrophication. This process kills lakes and ponds and is caused by pollutants “disrupting” normal life in the pond. It’s sort of like a cancer. We have all seen it. Scummy green algae takes over and chokes all life. Eventually the lake and ponds become mush and die, ultimately becoming a meadow. I didn’t buy a home on a meadow. I bought a home on a pond or so I thought. In summary, I am all for affordable housing. However, this location is the furthest from being a true “green” location. In fact, it’s the opposite. It will provide 12 units of affordable housing at the sake of killing off a thriving eco-system, in addition to discharging more nitrogen into East Bay and the River. It’s a real “up river” polluter. If the first to go are the salamanders and the bugs, the birds will be next; then what’s next in the food chain? Let’s find another location in town that’s “eco friendly.” The environment must always come first before affordable housing. There cannot be any compromise in this area. Bob Kaufman, PE Falmouth Insights to world peace “World Peace” is one of those phrases that have lost their credibility, their magic among us. Those two words echo a notion that seems so far from home in today’s world. Our hearts ought to glimmer at the thought, the mere possibility that we could some day live in a world where greed, power, and violence are defeated through negotiation and diplomacy. Instead we feel defeated. On Sept. 20, in an accessible and yet detailed presentation, international peacemaker Padraig O’Malley presented a platform for achieving world peace that warmed our hearts. It brought the idea back on the ground to a level where we can approach it again and say – this is an option, we can achieve this. It is through the establishment of platforms of communication and a culture of humanism in all negotiation that O’Malley has found the solution to lasting international peace making. O’Malley began with a personal anecdote about addiction: “Most successful programs dealing with addiction are created around addicts getting together, sharing experiences, creating identifications, and figuring out you’re not alone.” In the same way, he continued, international negotiators are successful when they find a way of coming together, sharing their experiences and identifying with each other. The concept of group therapy addiction counseling lends itself to a much greater idea – if we can define the parameters in which world leaders come to the table to talk, a safe space is created. Once two quarreling sides come together a process of identification begins. “An unconscious bonding takes place,” O’Malley described, as he related his experiences working with South African and Northern Irish government officials. “A strange magic began to happen. Their heads began to nod and they began to identify,” O’Malley recalled. By coming together and sharing their grievances in seemingly unrelated events, both South African and Northern Irish representatives found each other in the realization that they were experiencing similar struggles. Of course no conflict follows one set of rules for negotiation and peace making. Every nation bears its own history and cultural identity. By officially outlining rules of communication between two warring parties, a space is created where both sides can feel safe to state their demands, share their injustices, and begin to move forward. And O’Malley’s strategy comes nothing short of proof of success: In 2008 he was the facilitator of the Helsinki Agreement, a document which outlined rules of civility in a framework defined by sixteen principles and procedures established by fifteen mechanisms for thirty-three Iraqi leaders to peacefully negotiate with each other. The security in having principles and mechanisms that define the rules for discussion was powerful enough to bring some of the world’s most volatile opponents into the same room. In his approach O’Malley does not offer one definitive answer to solving the world’s problems. His approach recognizes that world peace is within our reach, if we only take the time to carefully lay the framework within which communication and negotiation take place. O’Malley convinces us that it is in the recognition of our common humanity that peaceful negotiation and is given a chance, and world peace comes back into our reach. Anna Geueke Editor’s note: The writer, a Cape Cod Community College student who works with the VNA in Hyannis, was honored by the Yarmouth Rotary Club for winning the Peace Forum Essay Contest. The contest was sponsored by Wendy’s of Cape Cod. Remembering the homeless On this weekend around Dec. 21, the longest night of the year, cities across the nation will be holding public events to honor National Homeless Persons Memorial Day. These events are designed to increase public awareness and responsibility for the men, women and children who have died on our streets in the tragic state of homelessness. In our own Cape Cod community, we will be remembering 10 lives that were lost this past year. Today (Dec. 18) at 5 p.m. we are holding a press conference at the Federated Church on Main Street in Hyannis. The public is welcome to attend. Leading figures in this fight to end homelessness will be speaking. Speakers include Phil Mangano, who launched this nation’s 10-year plan to end homelessness; Rick Presbrey, CEO of Housing Assistance Corporation; Barnstable County Commissioner Shelia Lyons; and Barnstable Town Councilor Janice Barton. Several other prominent figures will report on the status of homelessness on Cape Cod, the problem, the need. After the press conference there will be a social where the public is again welcome to attend. At this social visitors can talk with a few of us who are planning on sleeping outside tonight in the tents in front of the Hyannis Federated Church. Campers include, Barnstable Town Councilor Janice Barton, Deacon Dick Murphy, Doug White from Brewster Covenant Church, myself and others. We do this as a personal statement, "We understand, we care." We would enjoy your company after the press conference. On Monday (Dec. 21) at 6 p.m, at the Hyannis Federated Church, we will hold the memorial service for the 10 individuals who were homeless and who died this past year. It is a beautiful service with beautiful music, a thought-provoking slide show and personalized readings for each of the deceased. The service will last about one hour. The public is welcome to attend. Everyone is talking about the difficult economic times upon us. This weekend is a time in which those of us who have homes to live in, cars to drive, jobs for incomes, can appreciate our blessings. On Cape Cod, right now there are thousands of men, women and children worried and frightened about the real prospects of becoming homeless. And most important to be remembered is that hundreds of men, women and children are homeless here, now. One important way of celebrating this holiday season is making a donation to a local charity that provides support and resources to those in our community who are most in need, the homeless. Those who come to understand that we are our brothers/sisters keepers become blessed and transformed. I invite all to the call of our Creator to love and help our brothers and sisters in need. Alan Burt Centerville When recalls are justified By the time this letter is published, the fate of Hyannis Precinct 13 town Councilor Greg Milne will be known. In the meantime, much has been said and written in the past about who is responsible for recalling this man and other attempts over the last few years in Barnstable and other towns for that matter. The sad truth and the bottom line is that Mr. Milne himself is responsible for this process and in the past Centerville councilor Janet Joakim was involved in not one, but two recalls. In the case of Mr. Milne, it was he who endorsed and condoned a near midnight vote on the Stewart's Creek sewer issue that will likely tax some from their homes in that region. It should be also noted that he was not alone back on April 16th when this vote occurred in the dark of night and that the entire council voted with him andthey too, are culpable. In the words of this paper's own writer Paul Gauvin, all who voted for this should be held responsible, and I, for one, completely agree! How would anyone on this council or from any corner of this town feel if any elected public official voted something of this financial burden upon them in the manner in which it happened here back in April? How would any elected official feel if someone denied them due process in the dark of night? Would not any average innocent working man or woman not have the right to be angry? Upset? Of course they would and they have every right to be! Some certain town officials want the average public to somehow feel that these recall attempts are cruel and without reason and cause. Nice try but what our elected public officials here and otherwise need to know and understand is that we the people elected them. When elected officials choose not to listen to the desires of voters and do what is contradictory to our best interests, then recalls are completely justified. Some rumblings have spewed out of town hall that certain town officials are unhappy that recalls are happening. Huh? Are these officials this clueless and out of touch with reality? Mr. Milne made a mistake, a huge mistake! However he had more than ample opportunity to apologize or reconsider his position on this lunacy of town sewer mandates that will cause some to lose their homes! He and the entire council are guilty of denying due process and when a lawsuit hits the court, they will then see the ramifications of their ignorance and arrogance. He chose to ignore this, plain and simple, and thus he is being recalled. In years past Centerville councilwoman Janet Joakim faced two recall attempts, both of which failed… In her case, she happened to have enough friends and supporters to save her from recall, although many voters supported her removal from office. Good thing for her that her supporters were enough to save her. Somehow I think her fate may have been worse had she voted against her constituents the same way Mr. Milne did. In summary, these elected public officials here need to understand and know that they are town councilors and not precinct councilors. While it is true that they were elected by precinct voters, their oath is to represent the best interests of every voter in our town! Some from town hall have even blamed these recall attempts on “bloggers.” Talk about something so idiotic! These recalls have been run by good honest working citizens who merely want open, honest and accountable local government. In Barnstable, we have an appointed Manager and 13 so-called town councilors. In my opinion, this council is the worst in the history of the town. Our town has been going downhill and in the wrong direction now for close to 10 years! We are in the worst financial shape we have ever been in. Our schools are the worst they have ever been. Crime is increasing. And these town officials seem to care less. Accountability here? Sure, like cod, there ain't any left! As for recalls, sooner or later our elected town officials will get the message, and the real voters will outnumber the “friends” of any councilor. Government is supposed to be about we, the people and not “me” and my friends! Remember this the next time a recall happens! John Julius Hyannis Town workers made it a happy holiday I want to thank the Town of Barnstable's bucket truck team for making the Village of West Barnstable a lot brighter this season. PJ Kelliher, Mike Engelsen and Frank Cox, assisted me in hanging our new LED C7 Christmas Tree Lights (a 2008 Gift to the Village from our Village Festival Group) before our annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Carol sing on Dec 6. Thank you, Charlie Genantassio, for coordinating the team and thank you to John Wilbur for making sure the Tree's power source was ready to go Merry Christmas, everyone! Joanne Wallace West Barnstable

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